Self-Deception

Samson may be the classic example of someone greatly used by God whose life ended in disaster. How can someone fall to such depths after experiencing the awesome power of God and moving in the gifts of God? Sadly, things don't seem to change much. Today, ministers fall into the enemies traps just as Samson did. No one is beyond temptation and the enemies lies. It is too easy to believe in ones own abilities and ignore the warning signs that are often all too obvious to others.

The story of Samson and Delilah is not far removed from some in our world today. Delilah enticed Samson to explain the secret of his great strength. Three times he gave her a false explanation, each time coming closer to the truth. Each time she played him for a fool and tried his explanation to take away his strength. When he finally told her the truth, she predictably cut off his hair. What was he thinking? Why would he reveal his secret to her and expose himself to potential disaster?

Self-deception is a terrible danger. Samson fell in love and the rest was all down hill. Any time a man or woman of God allows themselves the freedom to compromise with evil and toy with the world's devises, he/she is going down a road of no return. Anyone could have seen where Samson was headed, but he didn't know what was happening. He was so confident in himself, that he did not recognize the obvious.

Sadly, the worst was yet to come. Judges 16:20 records the words, "He did not know that the Lord had left him." Self-deception can do horrible things to people. It can lead a person to trust in their own ability, be over confident in themselves, and not walk in obedience to God's Word. Humility seldom comes up as a high priority in characteristics desired in leaders. Yet, it may be one of the most neglected and most needed for leaders in the church today. Samson can teach us much about what not to do. The lesson for today is this, don't trust yourself. Walk in humility before the Lord. The alternative is self-deception which leads to disaster.